Jason M. Duda, everyone's guardian angel

Jason was born June 14, 1973, in Sacramento, Calif., to Richard and Joan Duda. He graduated from East Syracuse-Minoa High School in New York and attended Buffalo State University. While in high school, he was a devoted member of DECA, which prepares leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and education in marketing, finance and hospitality management.

He moved to Delaware in 1996, hosting his own radio talk show, Voice Yourself, for Eagle 97.7, and was employed with the Delaware Department of Correction, leaving as a corporal. After his career in law enforcement, Jason followed his passion for community theater and was involved in various ventures and projects for the small screen.

Jason was also passionate about his family, friends, four-legged creatures and always fought for the underdog. He was there whenever anyone needed support, had an innate intuition about people's feelings and thought he could fix the world. He was everyone's guardian angel. When he walked into a room he immediately commanded the attention of everyone there and was known for his flamboyant flair for fashion, especially with his trademark fedoras.

Jason could fix anything he tackled, especially vehicle engines, with a very analytical mind. He loved gardening and took pride in cultivating giant sunflowers. He also had a great passion for music - from Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to gangsta rap, and was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of more than 10 years, Christy, and their puppy Bruce, of Rehoboth Beach; his mother, Joan Duda of Minoa, N.Y.; his father, Rich Duda and his wife Mary of Syracuse. N.Y.; his sister, Jackie Penfield and her husband Chuck, and their children Ethan and Abby, of Chittenango, N.Y.; his grandfather, "Bompa" Rich Tobin of Kirkville, N.Y.; his in-laws, Jay and Paula Gilpin of Arizona; and aunts Cheryl Tobin and Jean Vickery.

A celebration of Jason's life will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, at Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jason's name are suggested to Ash's Elves, 378, Addison Road, Smyrna, DE 19971, a nonprofit organization to combat domestic violence.